1. Tower Bridge

Let’s begin with mainstream locations. These are the London sight-seeing classics that you can’t miss when visiting! Tower Bridge was built between 1986 and 1994, and it’s a beauty. To get a good picture like the one bellow, try using a tripod and long exposure. What’s great about this location, is that the surroundings are just as photogenic. I got some epic snaps of the shard!

2. St Paul’s Cathedral

Location: 1 New Change, London EC4M 9AF

Nearest Tube Stop: St Paul’s Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Anytime

As the seat of the Bishop of London, St Paul’s cathedral is one of the most famous and recognisable sights in the city. It has ruled the skyline for over 300 years, and its dome is one of the highest in the world! Although this is a typical Instagram angle, the cathedral is beautiful from any direction.

3. Houses of Parliment

Location: Palace of Westminster, SW1A 2PW

Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Anytime

The Houses of Parliament are of course one of the most popular buildings to photograph for Instagram. For some of the best spots go directly opposite the building. Although it’s great at any time, your best bet for good photograph is at sunset as the sun often sets behind the building.

4. The London Eye

Location: Lambeth, SE1 7PB

Nearest Tube Stop: Waterloo Underground Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Sunset/night

The London eye, especially in winter Is a wonderful sight, and it will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit! The London Eye is often moving slowly, so if you want an image showing motion then use a long exposure, but if you want to have detail in the wheel and pods, then use a faster shutter speed, increase your ISO or wait for it to pause.

5. Sky Garden

Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF

Nearest Tube Stop: Monument Tube Station

Price: Free but need to book!

Best Time for Pics: Anytime

The Sky Garden is one of the hottest new spots to visit in London! The famous enlarged dome provides a panoramic view of the city and you can pick up some food and drinks at the same time- YES PLEASE! What’s more, when the weather is good (which Is unfortunately quite rare in Britain) you can check out the open air terrace.

6. Buckingham Palace

Location: Westminster, SW1A 1AA

Nearest Tube Stop: Victoria Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Morning

With many people admiring the stunning Palace during the day, to get a good snap you may want to arrive quite early in the morning. While you’re there, don’t forget to try and make one of the guard’s smile. Oh and say hi to Lizzie for me!

7. Neal’s Yard

Location: Neal’s Yard, London WC2H

Nearest Tube Stop: Covent Garden Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Day

Now moving on to the less known locations for London sight-seeing. They may not be as popular, but they are definitely not less worthy! If you like bright and colourful, this is the place for you! Neal’s Yard is a small alley in Covent Garden, and it’s the perfect location for great photos! The multi-coloured buildings are bound to lift your mood and prepare you for a full day of touring.

8. Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

Location: Under Waterloo Station

Nearest Tube Stop: Waterloo

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Day

CALLING TO ALL ART LOVERS! This hidden gem is located under waterloo station and it 300 metres of the best London graffiti! I for one was blown away by this tunnel and think it has to qualify as one of the top Instagram spots in London. The colour and beauty is something you simply cannot miss. Save time to explore this location, because I was down there for hours taking pictures.

9. Leahenhall Market

Location: Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT

Nearest Tube Stop: Monument Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Day

Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century and is situated in what was the center of Roman London. Originally a meat, poultry and game market, it is now home to a number of boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub. It has eye catching Victorian architecture of brightly painted wrought iron beams to create a large covered area and many intriguing nooks and crannies.

10. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

Location: Dunstan’s Hill, EC3R 5DD

Nearest Tube Stop: Monument Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Day

This church was mostly ruined during the Second World War, but the ruins are now a stunning public garden that feels like a movie set! What makes it even more interested is the fact it’s a secret garden located right in the center of the city.

11. Oxford Street

Location: Oxford Street, London

Nearest Tube Stop: Oxford Circus Underground Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Blue hour/night

So far I’ve listed the classics and then the more unique locations. But with Christmas fast approaching, I can’t ignore the famous London streets with the iconic Christmas lights! Oxford Street is one of the buzziest shopping streets, and during the winter the snowball decorations come out, getting everyone into the holiday spirit!

13. Trafalgar Square

Location: Trafalgar Square, London

Nearest Tube Stop: Charring Cross Tube Station

Price: Free

Best Time for Pics: Blue hour/night

The tree at Trafalgar Square has been donated by Norway since 1947 and really adds some magic to this amazing square. Try using the fountains to your advantage in the photos- the reflections can be stunning!

London is an exciting place with many extremely photogenic sites to see. With both our Safestay Hostel’s in Central London (Holland Park and Elephant and Castle), you are a short tube ride away from the majority of these spots from either hostel- how easy is that!